Ministry of Defence

1. Introduction

The Ministry of Defence works closely with the New Zealand Defence Force to promote and improve New Zealand’s security and defence interests. We also work closely with other government agencies that deal with external security, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. We take a ‘whole of government’ approach to security issues.

The roles of the Ministry of Defence, which are founded on section 24 of the Defence Act 1990, are to:

• provide timely, high-quality advice to help the Government make well-informed decisions about the defence of New Zealand and its interests.
• conduct audits and assessments of the New Zealand Defence Force and the acquisition activities of the Ministry of Defence.
• arrange for the acquisition of significant items of military equipment needed to meet New Zealand Defence Force capability requirements.

We are a small organisation of approx 57 staff.

Further information about the Ministry of Defence can be obtained from our website: www.defence.govt.nz.

2. Physical Environment

Desired Outcome

The Ministry’s premises are accessible to all people.

Description

Ensure Ministry’s premises are as accessible as possible for disabled people.

Outcome Measures and Timeframes

Current premises are as accessible as possible. We will provide extra accessibility as required, e.g. car park for disabled visitors. The Ministry will be relocating to a new building in 2007. This building is currently under construction. The Ministry will ensure that all opportunities are taken to maximise accessibility for disabled people.

Links to Strategy Objective and Action

Foster an Aware and Responsive Public Service. Objective 6, Action 6.6.

3. Communications

Desired Outcome

Information on the Ministry of Defence website is accessible to all people.

Description

Manage Ministry of Defence website for quick and easy reading for all people.

More specifically, the Ministry will ensure that all information on its Website is conveyed in text rather than images, to assist interpretation systems of disabled visitors.

Internally, the accessibility options of the operating systems are installed and functional.

The Ministry will ensure it is aware of mechanisms available for the disabled at all times and do all that is possible to maintain interoperability with such systems.

Outcome Measures and Timeframes

All government websites must meet e-government guidelines by 2006. Some minor fixes will be undertaken before this date to ensure compliance with the guidelines.

Links to Strategy Objective and Action

Foster an Aware and Responsive Public Service. Objective 6, Action 6.5.